Psyllium For Added Dietary Fiber

Psyllium is made from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata. The seed coat of Plantago ovata has the high content of mucilage. Plantago seed mucilage is a clear, colorless, gelling agent. The milled seed fiber is a white mucilage that absorbs water, and increases in volume by ten times or more. Psyllium cannot be absorbed by the small intestine, and makes a great dietary fiber.

Psyllium seed husks are used to relieve diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. Psyllium works as a fiber to assist the body in alleviating constipation and support regulate bowel movement.

There has been much scientific research which shows that dietary fiber can reduce blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Psyllium is one of the best dietary fibers. Many over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements such as Colon Cleanse, Fybogel, Metamucil, Serutan, and Effersyllium have psyllium seed husks as their main ingredient.

Adding dietary fiber can be as easy as taking a supplement containing psyllium husks. Regular use of psyllium husks will help clean the colon of accumulated build-up and prevent the formation of new build-up. Use of a psyllium supplement helps support a digestive tract which can work freely and efficiently to eliminate the build-up of mucus, toxins and metabolic waste. As the husks move down the digestive system they scrub the walls of the intestine. This scrubbing action helps to remove old, dried up fecal matter and dislodge toxins.

Adding dietary fiber helps maintain a healthy intestinal flora. Parasites flourish in fecal matter which is not removed from the body. A clean colon will help stop destructive bacteria and parasites from growing in human waste.

Warning! Chronic constipation can be a serous condition and psyllium seed husks should be used with the advice of your health care provider. Laxatives can be habit-forming if you use them too often and for too long. This can cause damage to your intestine.

It is very important to drink lots of water when taking psyllium seed husks. Gastrointestinal tract obstruction can occur if taken with inadequate amounts of water. Gastrointestinal tract obstruction can also occur for those with prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities. Adverse reactions can include allergic reactions, especially among people who have had regular exposure to psyllium dust.

by Carol Branwen